THE Zimbabwe National Water Authority (Zinwa) has introduced water rationing as part of efforts to find a solution to water problems afflicting Beitbridge, as most areas have not received running water since Tuesday last week due to a debt council owes Zinwa.
PRISCAH NDLOVU OWN CORRESPONDENT
“The Beitbridge Town Council owes us a lot of money,” Zinwa catchment manager Tommy Rosen said.
He said council had been paying Zinwa $8 000 a month instead of $150 000. He said they could not afford to purchase chemicals to treat water with the money hence the water rationing measures which will see water supplies to residents being limited to four hours a day.
Beitbridge Residents’ Association chairperson Lawrence Tshili said the situation had been worsened by residents who have not been paying bills since the government issued an order for the cancellation of debts prior to the July 31 election last year.
“Beitbridge residents have since then adopted a wait-and-see attitude where they think that another order will be issued,” he said.
Residents said it would have been better if Zinwa turned off taps of those not paying instead of punishing the entire town. Beitbridge Town Council officials declined to comment.
